How To Distress Furniture That Is Already Stained

Distressing furniture is a popular technique that can give your piece a charming, vintage look. While distressing furniture that hasn't been stained yet is relatively straightforward, distressing furniture that is already stained requires some additional steps. In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of distressing furniture that has already been stained, allowing you to add character and depth to your piece.

Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary supplies on hand. You will need sandpaper (both coarse and fine-grit), a tack cloth, a foam brush, a drill with a wire brush attachment, a soft cloth, and a distressing agent such as wood stain or dark wax. Once you have gathered these supplies, you can follow the steps below:

Step 1: Clean the surface
To ensure that the distressing process goes smoothly, it's essential to start with a clean surface. Use a soft cloth or tack cloth to gently wipe away any dust or dirt on the furniture. This will help the paint or distressing agent adhere better to the surface.

Step 2: Sand the furniture
Using coarse-grit sandpaper, carefully sand the surface of the furniture. Pay particular attention to areas that would naturally wear over time, such as edges, corners, and handles. Sanding will help remove the existing stain or varnish, allowing the distressing agent to penetrate better.

Step 3: Remove any shine
After sanding, wipe down the furniture with your tack cloth to remove any sanding residue. Next, take your drill with a wire brush attachment and lightly brush over the entire surface. This will help remove any remaining shine and prepare the wood for distressing.

Step 4: Apply the distressing agent
Now it's time to apply the distressing agent. You have a few options here: you can either use a dark wood stain, which will seep into the wood grain and create an aged look, or you can use dark wax. Apply the stain or wax with a foam brush, ensuring even coverage over the entire piece.

Step 5: Wipe away the excess
After applying the distressing agent, wait a few minutes for it to partially dry. Then, take a soft cloth and gently wipe away the excess stain or wax. This step will reveal the natural wood color underneath, creating a distressed effect.

Step 6: Add some extra distressing (optional)
If you want to enhance the distressed look further, you can use fine-grit sandpaper to gently sand certain areas of the furniture, such as edges, corners, or areas of high use. This will expose more of the wood and create a worn appearance.

Step 7: Seal the distressed finish
Lastly, to protect the distressed finish and give it a smooth texture, apply a clear topcoat or sealer. This will help seal in the distressing agent and ensure longevity. Choose a finish that matches the desired sheen level of your piece, whether that is matte, satin, or glossy.

Distressing furniture that is already stained requires a few additional steps, but the end result is well worth the effort. By following these steps, you can transform your stained furniture into a beautifully distressed piece that adds character and charm to any space. Give it a try and watch your furniture come to life with a unique, rustic appeal!